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With stocks, crypto and numerous other investment options, who would have thought that gold — a precious metal used in trade for millennia — would be the one going “absolutely nuts” in 2025?
But that’s exactly what’s happening. Gold prices have surged 35% over the past year, recently topping the $2,900 per ounce mark. Rick Harrison, Gold & Silver Pawn Shop owner in Las Vegas, has noticed the trend firsthand.
“My suppliers are limiting the amount of gold they will sell you, because they can’t get any in. I mean, it’s gone absolutely nuts,” Harrison said in an interview with Fox Business.
Harrison, whose dealings at the pawn shop are featured on the popular History series Pawn Stars, believes there’s clear reason behind the surging demand for gold
“Remember, we live in a world where we’re printing money like confetti, and it’s getting a lot of people concerned,” he noted. “The government’s number one line item now is interest on the debt — it’s $36 trillion. I mean, you’re never going to be able to pay that off. So the only way to pay down the debt is either inflate the money supply or monetize the debt, which causes inflation anyway.”
The U.S. national debt — the total amount of outstanding borrowing by the U.S. federal government — has reached $36.22 trillion as of February 2025. Last year, it made headlines when interest costs on the national debt surpassed spending on defense and Medicare.
This gold rush isn’t limited to the U.S. South Korea has banned sales of gold bars because the government has been buying them, citing supply shortages and surging demand. However, this may not be entirely due to government purchases, as reports indicate that the Bank of Korea has kept its gold reserves steady at 104.4 tonnes since 2013.
But Harrison isn’t entirely off base — the world’s central banks have been stockpiling gold. In 2024, they added 1,045 tonnes to global reserves, marking the third consecutive year of net purchases exceeding 1,000 tonnes, according to the World Gold Council.
That demand could push prices even higher. Goldman Sachs recently raised its year-end 2025 gold price forecast to $3,100 per ounce, citing “structurally higher central bank demand”.
While purchasing gold might be becoming more difficult in some places, adding it to your portfolio is still surprisingly easy. Here are three simple ways to gain exposure.
Buy gold bullion
Harrison acknowledged that people are buying gold today because “it’s a hedge against inflation”.
Unlike fiat currencies, gold can’t be printed at will by central banks, making it a time-tested store of value. One of the most direct ways to invest in gold is by purchasing physical bullion in bars or coins.
These days, you don’t even have to go to a bullion shop — or wait in line at a pawn shop — to buy precious metals. Many online platforms offer a wide selection of gold and silver bars and coins and fair pricing.
Invest in gold stocks and ETFs
Gold mining companies offer another way to gain exposure to the precious metal. When the price of gold rises, miners tend to enjoy bigger profits, potentially boosting the value of their shares.
Adding goldmining companies to one’s portfolio can provide diversification. However, keep in mind that doing so also exposes investors to stock market risks and the performance of the underlying companies.
Meanwhile, there are Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs) that track the performance of gold. These ETFs aim to mirror the price movements of gold by holding physical gold or gold futures contracts.
Not sure which path is right for you? It might be time to connect with a financial advisor through WiserAdvisor.
WiserAdvisor is a free online service that helps match you with a vetted financial advisor who can help you build a strategy tailored to your goals. Simply answer a few questions, and their extensive network will connect you with advisors suited to your needs.
You can view advisor profiles, read client reviews, and schedule an initial consultation for free with no obligation to hire.
Invest in a gold IRA
Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs) are a popular way to save for retirement, offering tax advantages that can help grow your savings over time.
Traditional IRAs allow you to contribute pre-tax income, with taxes deferred until you withdraw the funds during retirement. Roth IRAs, on the other hand, involve contributions made with after-tax dollars, providing tax-free growth and tax-free withdrawals in retirement.
You can combine the recession-resistant nature of gold with the tax benefits of an IRA by opening a gold IRA.
If you’d like to convert an existing IRA into a gold IRA, companies typically offer 100% free rollover. Others might offer [free gold, silver or other metals] (https://moneywise.com/c/1/236/2008?placement=6) up to a certain amount when you make a qualifying purchase.
You can check out the Moneywise list of industry-leading companies offering gold IRAs here.
Compare offers instantly and request a free information guide to help you understand how this type of investment could fit in your portfolio.
This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.
